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abstract |
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The problem of how to present information on computer screens
effectively has been subject to extensive research in the field of
information visualization. The latter is commonly defined as "the use of
computer-supported, interactive, visual representations of abstract data
to amplify cognition" [Card et al. 1999]. Well-known IV applications
like FilmFinder, SmartMoney and Peets Coffee Selector have already
shown that by using visualizations, human computer interaction can be
improved significantly. This perception is also reflected by the fact
that an increasing number of IV ideas are turned into commercial
products (eg. Spotfire, Inxsight, Human IT) or are incorporated into
already existing software packages such as SPSS, Adobe Photoshop and
Microsoft Outlook.
Many designers however face severe problems when trying to map
information to visual representations. Specific knowledge of how humans
perceive information is often missing. Another problem is given by the
limited screen real estate - especially when developing for Personal
Digital Assistants.
Based on ZuiScat, a Zoomable User Interface Scatterplot visualization
for small screens, the presentation will walk you through the main steps
of designing a visualization concept. Next to mapping visual
representations to data variables, some related concepts and disciplines
will be briefly touched on, eg. semiotics, Gestalt laws and perceptual
psychology.
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